Program Director
Julia Smeliansky is the director of the Tepper Semester and all VPA New York City programming.
Prior to joining Syracuse University, Smeliansky was the associate director for pedagogical programs at the American Repertory Theater; lecturer on theater, dance & media at Harvard University; and the director of instruction at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York. She is an artistic producer, translator and educator. She produced numerous international cultural projects and exchanges, including the Centennial American Tour of the Moscow Art Theater at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, the American Tour of the Boris Eifman Ballet, the Maya Plisetskaya Gala at The City Center in New York and the Stars of Bolshoi and Kirov Ballet at Lincoln Center.
Administrative Coordinator
Caley Chase (she/her) is the administrative coordinator for VPA New York City. She assists Program Director Julia Smeliansky with the administrative aspects of VPA New York City and the Tepper Semester.
Chase is a director of theater and live performance. She has directed, developed and assisted work at the Huntington Theater Company, Trinity Rep, Shakespeare and Company, and Pittsburgh Public Theater, among others. In addition to directing, Chase works in creative producing and dramaturgy.